Fundraising in memory of Leo

Much loved Leo, sadly passed away on the 10th April following an asthma attack, aged 12.

Leo lived in Ballaugh, with his Mum, Julia, and sister Robyn. Leo was described by his family as a caring big brother and young comedian, who loved making puns and joking with friends and family. He loved books, films, gaming, drama and playing the guitar.

In light of this tragedy, we wanted to share some of the key facts on asthma in the UK to raise awareness of this condition and support the families fundraising for research.

As it stands, there are over 5 million people with asthma in the UK.

Asthma affects approximately one in every 11 people, and one in five households. Of the 5.4 million people affected, 1.1 million are children, and 4.3 million are adults.

Shockingly, every 10 seconds, someone in the UK is having a potentially life-threatening asthma attack.

Each day, three families are left devastated by the death of a loved one as a result of an asthma attack, and tragically, two thirds of these deaths are preventable.

The UK has some of the highest rates of those affected by asthma in Europe and on average, three children in every classroom throughout the UK has asthma.

Asthma attacks hospitalise someone in the UK every 8 minutes, and near to 200 people are admitted to hospital because of asthma attacks every day.

As you will see from the table below, taken from the Asthma UK website, Asthma related deaths have not significantly decreased in over 15 years.

It’s time this changed.

Over three thousand pounds has already been raised in memory of Leo, and the money raised will be donated to Asthma UK, the UK’s leading asthma charity.